Printed polymeric articles, systems and methods

Abstract

Composite articles, and associated methods and systems, are generally provided.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of forming a composite article, comprising:
 depositing a first polymer onto a substrate to form a first layer comprising the first polymer; 
 depositing a pigment onto the first layer to form a second layer comprising the pigment; and 
 depositing a second polymer onto the second layer to form a third layer comprising the second polymer. 
 
     
     
       2. A method as in  claim 1 , wherein the pigment is in the form of islands. 
     
     
       3. A method as in  claim 2 , wherein the islands are not interconnected. 
     
     
       4. A method as in  claim 2 , wherein an average size of the islands is less than or equal to 5 mm. 
     
     
       5. A method as in  claim 1 , wherein the first polymer is the same as the second polymer. 
     
     
       6. A method as in  claim 1 , wherein the pigment is at least partially embedded in the first layer comprising the first polymer. 
     
     
       7. A method as in  claim 1 , wherein one or more of the layers comprising the polymers are continuous. 
     
     
       8. A method as in  claim 1 , wherein depositing the first polymer comprising spraying the first polymer and/or depositing the second polymer comprises spraying the second polymer. 
     
     
       9. A method as in  claim 1 , wherein depositing the first polymer comprises printing the first polymer from a print head positioned on a robotic gantry and/or depositing the second polymer comprises printing the second polymer from a print head positioned on a robotic gantry. 
     
     
       10. A method as in  claim 1 , wherein the first polymer comprises a polyurethane and/or the second polymer comprises a polyurethane. 
     
     
       11. A method as in  claim 1 , wherein the layer comprising the pigment further comprises an additional polymer. 
     
     
       12. A method as in  claim 11 , wherein the additional polymer is the same as the first polymer or the second polymer. 
     
     
       13. A method as in  claim 11 , wherein the additional polymer is different from the first polymer and different from the second polymer. 
     
     
       14. A method as in  claim 11 , wherein the additional polymer forms a majority of the layer comprising the pigment. 
     
     
       15. A method as in  claim 1 , wherein the layer comprising the pigment further comprises a second pigment. 
     
     
       16. A method as in  claim 15 , wherein the second pigment is a different color than the pigment. 
     
     
       17. A method as in  claim 1 , wherein a portion of the layer comprising the pigment lacks any type of pigment. 
     
     
       18. A method of forming a composite article, comprising:
 depositing a first polymer onto a substrate to form a first layer comprising the first polymer; 
 depositing an ink jet ink onto the first polymer. 
 
     
     
       19. A method as in  claim 18 , further comprising depositing a second polymer onto the ink jet ink. 
     
     
       20. A method as in  claim 18 , wherein the composite article comprises a gradient in one or more properties. 
     
     
       21. A method as in  claim 20 , wherein the property is selected from the group consisting of average stiffness, average Shore A hardness, average Shore D hardness, average Asker C hardness, average density, color, average surface roughness, average reflectivity, average strength, average elongation at break, average tensile elastic modulus, and average modulus at 100% strain. 
     
     
       22. A method as in  claim 20 , wherein the gradient is oriented in a direction substantially parallel to a surface of the fabric. 
     
     
       23. A method as in  claim 18 , wherein depositing the first polymer comprising spraying the first polymer. 
     
     
       24. A method as in  claim 18 , wherein depositing the first polymer comprises printing the first polymer from a print head positioned on a robotic gantry. 
     
     
       25. A method as in  claim 18 , wherein the first polymer comprises a polyurethane. 
     
     
       26. A method as in  claim 18 , wherein depositing the first polymer comprises expelling a curable composition configured to cure to form the first polymer from a print head. 
     
     
       27. A method as in  claim 26 , wherein the curable composition comprises more than one component. 
     
     
       28. A method as in  claim 18 , wherein the composite article forms part of an upper and/or comprises an upper. 
     
     
       29. A method as in  claim 18 , wherein the ink jet ink forms a continuous layer.